Founder, director and lead engineer, André Harms, has a degree in electro-mechanical engineering and a passion for the environment. This is a fundamental combination that has lead André into the field of green building and sustainability consulting in the built environment.

Having worked in various engineering sectors for several years André has racked up valuable experience. Areas of experience include a few years in industrial design, homologation and 14 months in Antarctica as mechanical engineer and team leader of the SANAE overwintering expedition. Andre is a certified Renewable Energy Professional and is recognised by The Association of Energy Engineers. Andre has also served on the Technical Advisory Panel for the contextualisation of the Green Star SA sustainable precincts tool and was a lecturer and external examiner for the Environment and Services course of the 2nd and 3rd year architecture students at UCT.

When not in the office you are likely to find André enjoying the outdoors through various avenues such as camping safaris, hiking and rock climbing among others.

Thomas Hugo – Sustainability Engineer & Energy Modeller

Green Star SA Accredited Professional (GSSA AP)

Thomas has a background in process engineering (MSc Chem Eng) and has worked in the field of renewable energy and energy efficiency over the past 8 years. He specialises in building performance modelling for informing building design as well as building certification work.

His main design experience lies with optimisation of building facades and services by finding a balance between heating and cooling, thermal comfort, and daylight. Thomas has successfully completed the certification modelling tasks for various registered Green Star SA submissions, and many SANS 10400 XA assessments for building approval.

In his spare time, Thomas enjoys being in the outdoors as it is his way of relaxing and recalibrating his body, mind and heart. He will often be found trail running or kayaking in and around the mountains of the Western Cape.

Catherine Luyt - Sustainability Consultant

Green Star SA Accredited Professional (GSSA AP)

Catherine Luyt has a BA degree in Social Dynamics majoring in Political Science, Economics, and Geography and Environmental Science. She then decided to pursue the latter in her postgraduate studies and completed a Post-Grad Diploma in Environmental Management.

After working with Ecolution for 18 months she then returned to her studies and completed an MSc in Urban Strategies and Design at the University of Edinburgh, with a focus on sustainable urban design practices, both environmentally and socially. Her research dissertation discussed the realities of affordable housing in Cape Town city centre as a means of desegregating the city and providing equal opportunities for all. Catherine has a passion for green building practices on a city-wide scale in order to make a real and notable impact to the South African building industry.

In her spare time Catherine can be found enjoying her passion for running or taking full advantage of what Cape Town has to offer from cafes to the coast.

Stephen van der Sluys - Sustainability Engineer

Professional Energy Manager (PEM)

EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) Accredited Professional

Stephen has a deeply embedded commitment to and passion for sustainable development which is backed by a BSc degree in Civil Engineering, consultancy experience, as well as on site commissioning work experience. Previously employed in the traffic engineering industry, he felt impatient by the lack of sustainable thinking and so he decided to move on. He spent a year traveling and did work on natural building projects in Romania and Bulgaria. On return to South Africa he joined Ecolution, a company where he is excited to finally make a positive contribution to the environment while using his engineering abilities to improve building efficiency – through the latest water and energy saving building technologies.

In his spare time Stephen enjoys taking pictures with old analogue cameras, playing football, making music and exploring his surroundings.

Cornelia Oberholzer - Sustainability Engineer

Certified Energy Manager (CEM)

EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) Accredited Professional

ISO 50 001 Expert

Cornelia is a Certificated Electrical Engineer who has swapped a career in the mining industry for the rewarding field of sustainable engineering. Having worked in industrial environments for several years, she not only strongly believes that there are many environmentally sustainable alternatives available, but that more energy efficient processes and solutions can also have a positive financial impact on companies’ bottom lines.

With years of experience across a wide variety of engineering disciplines, she has a strong background in project, maintenance and safety management on projects both large and small.

In the evenings or over weekends you’ll find Cornelia reading fantasy fiction or about personal finance, taking a stroll through leafy suburbs, or trying out another Indian cuisine recipe.

Sibulele Candy Jonas - Business Administrator

Sibulele obtained a National Higher Certificate in Accountancy (Majoring in Cost and Management Accounting) at CPUT.

Previously employed as an administration clerk at the department of health, Afrika Tikkun and Lewis group, she then decided to expand her knowledge in accounting, business management and sustainability by joining Ecolution consulting. She is very excited about joining the team because she believes in being environmentally responsible.

In her spare time she enjoys reading books, spending quality time with her family and friends and trying out new recipes in the kitchen.

Wardah Safi - Sustainability Consultant

Green Star SA Accredited Professional (GSSA AP)

Wardah Safi holds a Bachelor in Architecture Degree as well as a BTech in Construction Management which lead her into employment assisting with a renewable energy project. This sparked her love and passion for sustainability and willingness to actively making a positive impact on the environment. The constant drive to consciously do better for the environment has placed her in fortunate positions to contribute to the industry as an Accredited Professional in Green Buildings.

In the few years working in the Green Building industry, she has overseen multiple Green Star certification processes by engaging with both project design teams as well as the co-ordination and management of internal office teams. She believes that sustainability extends far beyond just the building and it’s envelop but also in business practices and operations and the overall well being of an organization and it’s employees. Thus, making her a key player in assisting with the upkeep and maintenance of office tools, systems and processes as well as employee engagement and well being.

In her spare time, you can find Wardah busy designing beautifully modest female garments for a passion project clothing label she co-owns with her sister. In addition to that, she also enjoys being active with interests that lay in muay thai, boxing and hiking.